Introduction

The LOCKERSTOR 4 (AS6604T) by ASUSTOR is a 4-bay NAS designed to deliver a balance of performance, reliability, and versatility for professionals, small businesses, and advanced home users. Powered by an Intel Celeron quad-core processor, this NAS combines efficient hardware with robust software features to meet the demands of modern data storage, backup, and multimedia workflows.

Specification	Details
CPU	Intel Celeron J4125 Quad-Core 2.0 GHz (Burst up to 2.7 GHz)
Memory	4GB DDR4 SO-DIMM (Expandable up to 8GB)
Drive Bays	4 x 3.5"/2.5" SATA HDD/SSD (Hot-swappable)
Maximum Capacity	Up to 72TB (18TB x 4, HDDs not included)
Network	2 x 2.5-Gigabit Ethernet Ports
USB Ports	2 x USB 3.2 Gen 1, 2 x USB 3.2 Gen 2
HDMI	HDMI 2.0a (4K @ 60Hz support)
Power Supply	90W Adapter
Dimensions	170 x 174 x 230 mm
Weight	2.9 kg
Operating System	ADM (Asustor Data Manager)
Additional Features	AES-NI Hardware Encryption, Snapshot Backup, Wake-on-LAN

Security is a core feature of the AS6604T, with AES 256-bit encryption, snapshot-based backups, and cross-platform file sharing to safeguard data and streamline collaboration. It integrates seamlessly with Windows, macOS, and Linux systems, making it a versatile solution for multi-environment setups. Additionally, its ADM operating system provides access to a wide range of apps for productivity, multimedia, and enterprise-level functionality.

The Key Reasons I Chose the AS6604T

When considering which NAS to purchase, I had a clear set of priorities in mind. I wanted a device that not only fit my budget but also met my specific needs for home use. After exploring various options, the ASUSTOR AS6604T stood out for several reasons:

1. Affordable Pricing One of the most compelling factors in my decision was the price. Compared to similar NAS devices from other brands, the AS6604T offered the lowest price for the features it provided. This made it an excellent value for someone like me who didn’t want to overspend but still needed reliable and capable hardware. While other brands like Synology and QNAP were tempting, they often came with a higher price tag for comparable specifications, which made the AS6604T the obvious choice.

2. Ease of Setup I was specifically looking for an easy-to-setup NAS that wouldn’t require advanced technical expertise. The AS6604T delivered exactly that. The intuitive setup process and user-friendly interface made it simple to get up and running in no time. Since my primary use case was storing and organizing my video collection, I didn’t want to spend hours configuring complex settings. The AS6604T allowed me to focus on what mattered most—accessing and managing my files effortlessly.

3. Designed for Home Use Unlike high-end NAS devices designed for businesses or power users, I needed something tailored to home needs. My requirements were straightforward: a reliable local storage solution for safely storing files over the long term. I wasn’t looking for an over-complicated NAS with features I’d never use. The AS6604T struck the perfect balance by offering essential features for file storage and sharing without overwhelming me with unnecessary extras. It felt like the ideal LAN storage device for a home environment.

4. Streaming Capability Another key factor was the ability to stream videos, especially in 4K resolution. While 4K support was a priority, I was also happy with 1080p streaming quality for most of my needs. The AS6604T’s efficient hardware transcoding capabilities ensured smooth playback of even high-resolution videos, regardless of the format or device I was streaming to. This made it the perfect fit for hosting and enjoying my media collection without hassle.

The AS6604T met all my expectations by combining affordability, simplicity, and performance. It’s an excellent choice for anyone looking for a reliable, easy-to-use NAS for home use, especially if your primary focus is on storing and streaming media. For my needs, it was the perfect balance of features and price.

How the AS6604T Has Performed Over Time

I’ve been using my ASUSTOR AS6604T for many years now, and overall, I’m mostly satisfied with it. As a simple network storage solution, this NAS has been more than enough for my personal needs. It allows me to easily store my files, giving me peace of mind thanks to its four storage slots, which I’ve leveraged with multiple NAS-grade hard drives. The replication and upgrade process has been smooth and intuitive through the user-friendly interface.

When I first purchased the AS6604T, I was on a tight budget and started with 4TB drives, which I quickly filled up. Over time, as my storage needs grew, I upgraded to higher-capacity drives, and the process was seamless. The ability to expand storage without hassle has been one of the key strengths of this NAS.

Over time, I also discovered the Docker support available on the AS6604T. This opened up new possibilities, allowing me to set up HomeAssistant and other services directly on the NAS. However, this journey wasn’t without challenges. The learning curve was steep, mainly due to the lack of comprehensive support and a limited knowledge base for the device. The community for ASUSTOR devices is relatively small, and I often found that my questions went unanswered on their website, forums, or even Reddit. I quickly realized that when it came to configuring custom setups, I would largely be on my own.

Despite these challenges, the AS6604T has proven to be a reliable and capable device for my needs. While the initial setup and basic use are straightforward, more advanced features like Docker require patience and self-learning. For anyone looking for an affordable, flexible, and expandable NAS for personal use, the AS6604T is still a solid choice—just be prepared to handle some of the advanced configurations independently.

In the end, if you’re looking for a simple NAS and you have good computer skills along with the time to read, learn, and configure it, the AS6604T can be a reliable and flexible companion. It offers great value and functionality for those who are comfortable diving into its features and resolving potential challenges on their own.

However, if you’re not particularly tech-savvy or prefer a more turnkey, user-friendly solution, you might be better off considering a more popular NAS brand, even if it comes at a higher cost. Devices with a larger community and better support ecosystem can save you time and frustration, especially if ease of use is your top priority.